Category: About us

Raising an SDG Flag in Support of UN Sustainable Development Goals

Posted on by Ola Durotoye

Raising an SDG Flag in Support of UN Sustainable Development Goals

UN Sustainable Development Goals

|

Group holding a banner with Sustainable Development Goals in an office.

Yesterday, Central YMCA, along with hundreds of UK organisations raised an SDG flag to show their support for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

This September will mark eight years since the world embraced the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving them is more important than ever. 

The SDGs, also known as the Global Goals, reflect a shared objective and ambition across all countries to end poverty and hunger everywhere, to combat inequalities within and among countries, to build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, to protect human rights and promote gender equality of women and girls, and to ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources by 2030. Their importance cannot be underestimated. 

The 17 Goals are supported by 169 targets and 232 indicators, enabling progress to be prioritised and tracked.  

Central YMCA proudly join hundreds of businesses, government departments, and civil society organisations in a global movement to fly an SDG flag to spread awareness of the SDGs and mobilise stakeholders for the 2030 agenda.  

We are committed to actively supporting all the SDGs, with a strong focus on delivering Good Health & Wellbeing, Quality Education, Decent Work, Reduced Inequalities and Gender Equality. Over the coming months we’ll be sharing more information on how we’re working to achieve these, the difference they make and how you can get involved! 

In the UK, there have been some significant milestones towards the SDGs. In 2022, the UN Global Compact Network UK released Measuring Up 2.0, a multi-stakeholder report assessing the UK’s performance against the SDGs and their Targets to understand how and where businesses, government, and other organisations should focus efforts for the remainder of this decade of action.   

The report found of the 132 Targets relevant to the domestic delivery of the SDGs, the UK is only performing well on 17% of them. It highlighted how persistent inequalities within and between communities in the UK mean that we continue to leave people and places behind. It is because of this that the 2030 Agenda is more important than ever, and worldwide collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society organisations are essential.  

With only 1 in 10 people in Britain familiar with the SDGs, raising the SDG flag this September is key to raising awareness and mobilising stakeholders for action. Join the global movement in championing the SDGs so together the 2030 Agenda can be achieved! 

We believe that collaboration and shared vision will be key to achieving the sustainable development goals and effecting meaningful change towards a sustainable future. Get in touch today to find out more about how we can work together to create a better future for all. 

Latest news

Read more on

Central YMCA CEO Ryan Palmer responds to the cut in PE hours

Posted on by Ola Durotoye

Central YMCA CEO Ryan Palmer responds to the cut in PE hours

|

Children playing a ball game in a gymnasium.

Following the recent success of the England women’s world cup team, reaching the finals in Australia & New Zealand this summer, comes mainstream attention and the ripple effect that this has inspiring the next generation of children and young people to be active and engage in sport and physical activity.

It is therefore essential that we see continued investments into PE and school sport to continue this narrative and provide safe and professional education that has a long term effect on both our happiness and the development of future talent within the sporting ecosystem.

Undoubtedly the world has changed in recent times, the impact of Covid and summary cost of living crisis caused by it, and other world events, have irrevocably changed the horizon. Yet, there are still some fundamental truths that stand the test of time, and we must pay attention to, if we are to create a healthy future. One such truth is the need for PE in our schools.

It has been undisputedly proven that physical activity directly translates to better mental wellbeing. It has also been undisputedly proven that better mental wellbeing leads to greater productivity and individual satisfaction. It is a simple truth that exercise, in any shape or form, improves quality of life and personal prosperity.

Psychologically speaking we know that habits form at an early stage of life, as such we have a responsibility at every level, from Government to Community, to create and enable extensive access to physical activity in our primary and secondary schools… This cannot be negotiable.

The current mandated hours of PE are not sufficient. The Chief Medical Officers for UK recommend 1 hour of daily physical activity at primary school, with half of that taking place during the school day; the DfE recommends at least 90-minutes per week.

At best this means our children are receiving at least 1 hour less than the recommended levels of physical activity per week than is good for them at primary school.

The bottom line is we must make room for more physical activity at every level of education, from primary school up; at a minimum 30 minutes per day. However, this is not just a question of providing more PE hours. Physical activity will not become habitual until we build it into routine, and that demands providing more PE options, and creating accessibility and universal participation.

Latest news

Read more on

Join the YMCA G.I.R.L.S. Move Programme

Posted on by dev

Join the YMCA G.I.R.L.S. Move Programme

Empowering girls to be more physically and emotionally healthy

Our G.I.R.L.S. Move project is all about empowerment and physical activity, supporting young girls to become more physically active in a non-traditional way. We work with girls aged 11-19 from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities to build their self confidence and self-esteem and provide leadership training. 

What’s involved? 

By participating in this 3-week programme, girls embark on a journey to explore their identity, confidence, and self-esteem. Time is allocated to talk about body image, self-esteem, leadership, and confidence, and there’s also an opportunity to get physically active. There’s no need to worry — the physical aspects don’t need to be traditional activities. It’s all about each individual and what they feel comfortable with.   

When? 

Monday 12th September: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Monday 19th September: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Monday 26th September: 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Where?  

Central YMCA Club  

112 Great Russell Street London, WC1B 3NQ 
1 min from Tottenham Court Road Tube station 

Want to join us?

Get In Touch

Meet Declan: Physical Activity Hero finalist

Posted on by dev

Meet Declan: Physical Activity Hero finalist

Declan Duncan has been inspiring people to be more physically active here at Central YMCA Club for over 20 years.

After a long journey at Central YMCA, Declan is now our Community Programmes & Volunteer Manager and is responsible for a great number of programmes, which have a considerable impact in our communities. These include health and wellbeing programmes for Older Adults, people living with HIV, people recovering from Cancer, and those with mental health problems; he also runs our short lifestyle courses and volunteering programme. We are so proud of Declan for this recognition and for everything he has achieved. 

The ukActive Physical Activity Hero Award

The award highlights those who have impacted and inspired the people they engage with and showcases the transformational impact of physical activity on health, happiness, and wellbeing. Declan’s work and dedication is being highlighted along with 7 others, before the winner is announced in early June. To celebrate this achievement, we are sharing his incredible story. 

Before YMCA

Declan was born in South Africa, where he graduated from Pinelands High School in 1988. He trained in nursing at the prestigious Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town – the first hospital in the world to ever perform a successful heart transplant. After qualifying as a nurse, Declan arrived in the UK in 1996. Although he only expected to stay for one and a half years, he’s still here over twenty years later!  

Declan’s motivation to help others led him to his first job in London – working with Cancer and HIV+ patients at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington. While working full-time as a nurse, Declan pursued his interest in health and fitness by also studying to become a personal trainer with Central YMCA: 

“I looked up YMCA, because I knew they had a good reputation.” 

Having joined Central YMCA in 1999, he still remembers his tutors Denise Page and Tracy Bell; “you know they were good tutors when you remember their names 20-odd years later!” It was these inspiring tutors who directed Declan to a volunteering opportunity at YMCA Club.  

Becoming part of YMCA Club 

“I remember the day that I walked through the doors at reception when I came to apply as a volunteer. I had no idea of the impact that it would have on my life. I honestly felt so welcomed when I first arrived, and so safe and listened to. That’s what I’ve always wanted to recreate, when I was lucky enough to become a manager.” 

Declan’s journey with the Club started in 2000. He first started as a volunteer on our Positive Health Programme, an exercise referral programme for those living with HIV, before becoming an employed Fitness Instructor on the programme in 2005.  

With his background in medical care for people with HIV, Declan describes how he was inspired by the Positive Health programme: 

“It is, to my knowledge, one-of-a-kind in the whole of the UK. I don’t think there is any other exercise or social prescription programme which focusses on the condition of HIV. It is unique, so I applied to volunteer.” 

By 2005, Declan had moved to the Cancer and HIV wards at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in South Kensington, balancing his part-time work at the Club with his nursing career. However, in 2007, Declan was offered a job as Community Programmes Manager for the Older Adults programme – leaving nursing behind to pursue his work at Central YMCA. He has been here full-time ever since!  

Running a team  

Declan has overseen the introduction of many innovative programmes at the Club, which have aimed to get people active again after long periods away from exercise. These include RENEW, an exercise referral programme for young people living with Cancer, Project Gym, which engages young men with haemophilia, and Mind Body Matters, a programme providing exercise support to students struggling with their mental health at Birbeck University. He is incredibly grateful to his colleagues at the Club for the roles that they have played: 

 “I feel proud of what my team and volunteers do, and humbled to be around such incredible people.”  

Declan’s impact on the community, especially the Older Adults programme, has been huge. Growing the community programme membership by 11%, with over 1000 members of the gym being over 60, many of these members attended the gym solely to partake in Declan’s exercise classes. Declan’s caring and thoughtful approach to his work is motivated by his genuine respect for each one of his programmes’ members:  

“For me, it’s always important that people feel safe when they come into the Club; that they feel that they are valued as a person, that they are included. They are not just a ‘Club member’ – every name has a story behind it.” 

“It is the members that keep inspiring me over the years. I’ve been lucky enough to have an amazing team of staff and all my volunteers, who help across the Positive Health and Older Adults programmes. We wouldn’t be able to do half the work that we do without them. When times are tough, these are the people who keep me going.” 

Keeping the community together  

As the pandemic struck in 2019, Declan stepped up as the main point of contact for our community members who were shielding, isolated or at risk of loneliness and inactivity. He noticed that a lot of elderly Club members used YouTube but did not have access to any other social media sites, so he started filming Zumba and strength training exercise classes specifically for them and posting these on YouTube. This helped to keep the Older Adults moving and offered them a sense of normality and community during the difficult lockdown period. 

Declan’s dedication to the Older Adults’ wellbeing has been incredibly inspiring. He added to his YouTube videos by sending out light-hearted, fun monthly newsletters, which had links to his exercise videos for easy access, and health eating tips; even calling some of the members once a week, who did not have access to the internet.  

A lot of the Older Adults told Declan how much they valued seeing a familiar face and hearing his voice: 

“I feel it gave them something to look forward to.” 

“Some of the older adults felt completely lost without the gym. One gentleman would walk past every day hoping that we were open, even though we were in lockdown. It tugs at your heartstrings – you don’t realise the impact that coming here has on people.” 

Helping people over lockdown 

One woman told Declan how much she looked forward to his emails and videos, because she had spent lockdown alone. In fact, Declan’s YouTube exercise videos became very popular, with one of them reaching over 97,000 views. People from all over the world left reviews, telling us how much his energy and kindness had helped them. What started as a way of keeping our members active and in contact during such a difficult time became a worldwide hit.  

Arvinda Gohil, Chief Executive at Central YMCA said:

“We are extremely proud of Declan’s work, and it is fantastic to see that his work is being recognised nationally. His work at Central YMCA UK and his dedication to helping others have impacted the lives of so many people within our community and across the world.”

Here are just some of the people who Declan’s exercise routines have impacted: 

“I found your videos on YouTube and I can’t tell you how excited I am every day to do them! Thank you for all you do, and be safe during this extremely difficult time!”– Linda (New York, USA) 

“I discovered your YouTube channel a few weeks ago and I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy and appreciate your classes. I’m currently being treated for leukaemia but still wanted to stay as active as possible and your easy Zumba classes are just the ticket! I dance around in my front parlour much to the amusement of my partner. I cannot always complete the entire session, but I have so much fun (even if I seem to have two left feet!) and your friendly smile keeps me going. Thank you so very much for all you do. Stay safe!” – Cynthia (Washington, USA) 

“It’s nice to see a friendly face that you know” – Kathy (UK) 

Volunteering on the COVID wards 

In addition to throwing himself into continuing to provide helpful services during COVID, Declan decided to use his remaining time and nursing skills to help during the pandemic: 

“I had to do something and help out.” 

One week after this decision, he was doing 12-hour shifts volunteering on the COVID wards of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. He recalls the hardship that he witnessed:  

“Every ward was a COVID ward… there were no visitors. We were just running, all the time. What struck me was how tired some of the nurses, doctors, porters and housekeeping staff looked. Anyone who doesn’t believe in COVID needs to go and work on one of those wards.”  

Declan recounts the Army being drafted in in January to help the exhausted medical staff, some of whom had to isolate themselves. He saw soldiers walking around the hospital performing emergency duties, which he described as “eerie”. 

“It was scary, it was very challenging and sad. There are some scenes that I hope I never see again.” 

“My YMCA was like a break”, a refuge of normality. After the stress and horrors of the COVID wards, seeing familiar Club members’ pictures appearing on his screen brought him happiness and reassurance. For Declan, keeping that balance between the hospital and YMCA was what allowed him to keep going.  

Returning to normal 

After lockdown was lifted and life began to return to normal, one of the first groups which returned to the Club were the Older Adult and Positive Health members. 

There was a queue down the street to enter the Club at 9am on opening day. To ensure that they could return to the Club safely, Declan began creating Older Adults’ accounts for them to book their exercise slots, or even booked them in under his own name. Declan recalls their enthusiasm to return to his classes, and the measures put in place to protect them: 

“They were wanting to move again, in their familiar space. It was quite nerve-racking for them, so it was important to reassure them that we were doing things safely in the building, with face-coverings, hand-sanitizer, regular cleaning and a one-way system. Everyone pulled together.” 

The impact Central YMCA has had on Declan 

“It’s been a long journey – volunteer, part-time, full-time. What’s always kept me here are the members. It’s been so great to see how the physical and social activities impact the Older Adults. I’ve really got to know them and their stories. It’s so interesting when they talk about their pasts, because these are the old London tales that you’re hearing. They are really, really fun characters. Seeing the impact that exercise has on people and seeing them start to take ownership of their fitness is really quite inspiring.” 

“It’s made me more aware of my own health and fitness, I was never the sporty type at school! I never thought I’d work in the fitness industry. But seeing the impact of this place on staff and members over the years has also had an impact on me.” 

“I have spent most of my working adult life at YMCA. It’s been a real privilege to have worked here for so long, and to have interacted with so many interesting and diverse people across the years.”  

Free Pilates classes for BAME women

Posted on by dev

Free Pilates classes for BAME women

A 6-week programme which helps reduce

health inequalities in Camden

Here at Central YMCA we work to break down barriers and improve access to life-changing opportunities. That’s why we are delighted to be partnering with Voluntary Action Camden to help improve access and reduce health inequalities for Camden’s Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnic community.

Join our free 6-week Pilates programme specifically catered to Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnic (BAME) women who are looking to get active and improve their health and wellbeing. These classes offer a safe space for you to feel at ease and connect with other women in a calm and quiet studio which cannot be overlooked by the public.

When it runs:

Starting 22 August 2022, the programme ran on Mondays and Wednesdays for 6 weeks. *This programme has finished. We’ll let you know if we run another in the future!

Location:

YMCA KX in Kings Cross

120 Cromer Street, London, WC1H 8BS

What the programme includes: 

Group introduction 
2 classes per week run over 6 weeks
Small group sessions
Final group celebration 

8 Steps to Improve Your Health and Wellbeing

Posted on by dev

8 Steps to Improve Your Health and Wellbeing

Our resident Nutritionist, Nick Owen gives his guidance in helping you make healthy food choices.

So, after the challenging year we’ve had due to the pandemic, what’s your verdict on your health and fitness?

Some of us will have been pleased with the progress we have made, as we swapped the barbells for a tin of baked beans! But others may be less pleased with our progress. Many studies have shown an increase in inactivity, loneliness, depression and anxiety brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic,

After a strange and difficult time, let’s review and re-boot!

Healthy Consistency

Remember, it is the regular food choices that we make hour by hour, meal by meal, week by week that determine how we look and feel every day. Our body shape, appearance, mental agility, body fat, concentration and physical ability are all a reflection of these regular choices. The same is true with activity – are we consciously active; do we make time in our schedule for exercise, for walking, taking the stairs, regularly getting up from our desk, and moving around both in the day and the evening?

Our diets should be enjoyable, tasty, and predominantly filled with foods we know to be healthy and which we consume in moderation. It is about making healthier choices most of the time – of course, there is room for cheat meals, nights out and drinks in moderation – that is part of a healthy, balanced, and social life.

Chasing this quick fix isn’t the way to go about things, which is why I share below eight steps that I think I think will enable you to adopt a ‘Healthy Consistency’ and will have a far greater successful long term impact on your mental and physical health.

So here are eight tips to help you make the most of this period.

Step 1: Avoid ‘Low-Fat’ and Processed Foods

Step 2: Eat Proper Meals

Step 3: Embrace Variety

Step 4: Don’t Leave Out Food Groups

Step 5: Fruit and Vegetables

Step 6: Plan Your Meals

Step 7: Accept yourself

Step 8: Think Consistently Healthy with a Healthy Consistency

About the author

Nick Owen is a qualified nutritional adviser and holds a Diploma in Non-Medical Nutritional Advice. Nick uses nutrition to support a wide variety of client goals. These include weight management, fat loss and muscle building, general health and well-being, improved energy levels, concentration and complexion.

Still thinking of skipping leg day?

Posted on by dev

Thinking of skipping leg day?

Most of us have a friend or training partner who goes missing on leg day, or comes up with excuses such as knee problems, an old sports injury, etc… But they are missing out, as research has shown that training your legs at least once a week results in numerous benefits. Beyond building sizeable quads, you can increase your testosterone levels, enhance your fat loss, eat what you like and make sure your body’s geometry is working in your favour.

Here are four good reasons why you should train your legs at least once a week.

1. It spikes muscle-building hormones: 
Performing heavy squats has been shown to increase testosterone levels, helping to maintain muscular size as well as strength. However, to get this hormonal boost, exercises such as squats should be performed at the appropriate intensity. An effective workout would be 5 x 5 (5 sets of 5 reps) back squats at roughly 85% of your 1RM (one repetition maximum).

2. It enhances fat loss: 
The squat in its many variations is a great movement. Being a compound lift, it hits almost every muscle in the body, particularly your quads, hamstrings, glutes, lower back and abs. This movement allows you to retain lean body mass and promote fat loss as it requires greater energy expenditure, elevating post exercise metabolic rates for a prolonged period. It may also enhance post exercise lipid oxidation (the fat burning process).

3. Eat big after a heavy leg session: 
After a heavy weight training session such as squats, you can enjoy yourself and eat a big filling meal. Scientists from Washington University School of Medicine discovered that heavy weight training increases the efficiency of a protein called GLUT4, which improves insulin sensitivity and the rate at which we absorb and use glucose. This means the food you eat will be more effectively used to repair and build muscles used in the session.

4. People notice bad geometry: 
If you want to look more attractive, don’t skip leg day. Leonardo Da Vinci, inspired by the architect Marcus Vitruvius, created his famous Vitruvian Man to illustrate the “golden ratio” – the mathematical determination of what is objectively attractive. If you don’t work those leg muscles, you might not measure up. Still thinking of missing leg day? Then you better be best friends with the squat rack.

A few tips to remember while doing squats:

Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, and point your toes slightly outwards
Squat down until your thighs are at least parallel to the floor
Try not to extend your knees past your toes
Don’t arch your back
Keep your chest lifted and look forward
Drive into the heel and squeeze your glutes as you stand

*Source: nerdfitness.com

Nassim Hamadache is our Pool Fitness Manager and started working here at the Club as a lifeguard four years ago while completing a degree in Business Management.  He began swimming at the age of seven at school where he developed a passion for swimming. Since graduating, Nassim has developed his career in the fitness industry and holds the ASA Swimfit Activator as well as being qualified as a Gym Instructor.  As well as managing the pool, he teaches classes on a timetable including TRX (Suspension Training) and Indoor Cycling.

7 Reasons women should lift weights

Posted on by dev

7 Reasons women should lift weights

Some women fear that lifting heavy weights will make them bulky, but this is unlikely because women have 10 to 30 less of the hormones that cause hypertophy. Lifting heavy weights can help women feel healthier, stronger and more confident in everything they do. Resistance training can benefit women in all aspects of their lives, from feeling comfortable in their clothes, to being able to move something heavy, through to dealing with anything stressful. Here are some of the benefits of weight lifting…

In March 2022, we surveyed women who graduated from our fitness courses in the last 5 years to understand the barriers that they have faced within the fitness industry. The survey highlighted that:

1. It’s key to losing fat 
Weight lifting increases your body’s ability to burn fat during and after exercise – your body uses more oxygen, requires more caloric expenditure and it increases your metabolic rate. As you increase strength and lean muscle mass, your body uses calories more efficiently. 

2. Reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes
Lifting weights makes it less likely that you will have heart disease risk factors such as a large waist circumference and high triglycerides (blood fats). It will also improve your cardiovascular health which will help to lower your blood pressure. Using weight training as part of your routine will also improve the way your body processes sugar, which may reduce the risk of diabetes.

3. Strengthens your bones
Osteoporosis is the decrease in bone density that weakens the bone structure. The risk of osteoporosis increases with age and women are four times more likely than men to develop it because bone loss speeds up after the menopause as ovaries stop producing oestrogen. One way to increase bone density is to repeatedly use greater loads on the bones which can be achieved through resistance training. New formation of bone develops on the bone’s outer surface, creating stronger bones that are less likely to fracture. Because of bone and muscle loss, postmenopausal women should continue regular progressive resistance training as long as their health allows.

4. Decreases your risk of injury
Lifting weights not only builds stronger muscles but also builds stronger connective tissues and increases joint stability.  This acts as reinforcement for the joints and helps prevent injury.

5. Improves sleep
Weight lifting improves your ability to fall asleep faster and sleep deeper. You will also be less restless as you sleep and it can also release some of your worries.

6. It’s anti-ageing 
After women reach the age of 30, muscle density starts to decrease and the trend continues as they get older. Lean body mass can decrease 15 percent between the ages of 30 and 80. This loss is accompanied by a decrease in overall strength. Follow a well-planned resistance training program that increases the size of muscle fibres and this will help combat the age-related loss of muscle that normally occurs in women.

7. Boosts stamina and energy levels
When you are stronger you have more energy for day to day tasks and you don’t get anywhere near as tired.

Above all, weight lifting: 

Improves your mood and confidence
Gives a sense of achievement
Creates a constant challenge
Improves body control and awareness
Helps you feel strong and toned

How to get started?
Where you start with weight training depends on your current experience and fitness level. If you have trouble with basic movements and balance, seek guidance from a Personal Trainer who can ensure you are using proper form to prevent injuries and to get the most out of your workout. 
You can also learn a lot by joining one of our weightlifting exercise classes such as Kettlebells or Sculpt. You can also book a Gym Health Assessment to get one-to-one advice with one of our Health and Fitness Advisors, just talk to reception to book. 

Central YMCA appoints Ryan Palmer as new interim Chief Executive

Posted on by Ola Durotoye

Central YMCA appoints Ryan Palmer as new interim Chief Executive

|

Central YMCA, a leading education, health and wellbeing charity, is pleased to announce that Ryan Palmer has been appointed as the new interim Chief Executive.

Ryan Palmer in a blue shirt against a white background.

Ryan will guide the Charity in its mission to create improved access to life-changing opportunities.

Ryan succeeds Arvinda Gohil OBE, who announced in October 2022 her intention to step down from Central YMCA. Arvinda steered the charity through a challenging tenure, with the impact of a pandemic, energy and cost of living crisis, and has helped this historic charity continue to find creative and meaningful ways to support its communities.

Ryan first joined the charity almost a decade ago and has extensive experience in the education sector as well as a wealth of knowledge of the fitness and wellbeing landscape. Ryan was most recently Chief Revenue Officer at Central YMCA, leading the charity’s income generation strategy and responsible for growing and diversifying the provision on offer.

“The Board is delighted to appoint Ryan as its new interim CEO. His extensive experience and knowledge of the charity will serve him well in his new role. We are confident that he will work hard with the team to continue developing Central YMCA’s services and we wish him every success. With the near term leadership of the charity secured, the board will look to appoint a permanent CEO over the next few months.”

– Andrew Beal, Chair of Central YMCA

“I am thrilled and honoured to lead Central YMCA at such an exciting time. Upholding Central YMCA’s history of breaking down barriers to allow all to reach their full potential, I look forward to working with our key partners to help grow our reach and impact, alongside continuing to deliver our programming and provision in our communities and beyond.”

– Ryan Palmer, Interim Chief Executive

Latest news

Read more on

Central YMCA appoints six new Trustees

Posted on by Ola Durotoye

Central YMCA appoints six new Trustees

|

We are delighted to announce the appointment of six new Trustees over the next six months in a drive to renew, reinvigorate, diversify and strengthen our board.

Four of the new appointments joined in August to fulfil immediate vacancies and the final two will commence at the Charity’s next AGM in January 2022. The appointments follow an externally facilitated board and governance review late in 2020 which identified a number of skills gaps and a need to both refresh and diversify the board to bring a broader perspective. The new appointments arrive at a pivotal time for the charity with the launch of a new three-year strategy along with a refreshed purpose, mission, vision and values and a plan for recovery from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The new Trustees, Dr Amandip Bahia, Cheryl Turner, Peter Wright, Stephen Varma, Yusuf Nurbhai and Sheena Amin, bringing a breadth of expertise from the commercial, education and public sectors and will join six other Trustees led by Chair, Andrew Beal who oversee the charity’s work, delivered by CEO Arvinda Gohil. Supported by Cadence Partners, a wide-ranging recruitment process involving members of Central YMCA’s Board, led to the new appointments.

In addition to the new Trustee appointments, Central YMCA has launched a Trustee Apprenticeship Programme which draws on the Charity’s roots, having been founded by an apprentice in 1844, its longstanding passion for developing people and experience in delivering over 4,000 apprenticeships each year across the UK. The first Apprentice Trustee appointed is Gani Lawal and Central YMCA aims to appoint a further Apprentice Trustee in 2021, with the programme particularly supporting those who might face barriers to Trusteeship. The Trustee Apprenticeship Programme will give individuals an opportunity to gain 12 months of governance experience, support and mentoring without the risk or legal responsibility carried by a formal Trustee.

“The introduction of new Trustees to our Board will bring an impressive richness of expertise and diversity of life experience that will support the current Board to deliver on our ambitious new three-year strategy. I look forward to working with Amandip, Cheryl, Peter, Stephen, Yusuf, Sheena and Gani to steer this wonderful organisation’s work in breaking down barriers to opportunity through education, training, health and wellbeing. This is an exciting time for Central YMCA and we have already begun to appreciate the very positive influence and passion that they will bring to our deliberations and decision-making them.”

– Andrew Beal, Chair of the Board of Trustees

“We are delighted to welcome our new Trustees who collectively bring a huge wealth of experience and insight and will really help us deliver our ambitions. We welcome them and look forward to creating a truly inclusive and impactful organisation fit for our times.”

– Arvinda Gohil, CEO

“I am excited to be joining the Board of Central YMCA. I am inspired by and passionate about the important role this charity plays in helping to improve the health and wellbeing; skills development and educational attainment of people from all walks of life. I am looking forward to helping  drive the future strategic direction of the charity as we look to grow our reach and impact over the years to come.”

– Sheena Amin, new Trustee

“I am both proud and humbled to join Central YMCA. Its work and values are fully on purpose with my objectives to support the educational, health and wellbeing needs of people across all the communities it serves, which made it the obvious choice for me as a new Trustee. It’s been a really tough 18 months for our communities across the UK, and the work Central YMCA delivers is as important as ever to get those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic realise their academic and wellbeing potential, so I am really looking forward to working with Arvinda, her team and my fellow trustees to deliver Central YMCA’s strategy and mission over the coming years, strengthening its standing as one of the UK’s leading social enterprises”

– Stephen Varma, new Trustee

“I’m really excited about being part of Central YMCA.  I have been so impressed with the impact that the organisation has (and will continue to have) to so many people, across a wide range of demographics. Wellbeing is an inherent part of my personal and professional purpose, and I can’t wait to work with the team further on their wellbeing strategy!”

– Dr Amandip Bahia, new Trustee

Read on:

FE News

Charity Today

Learn more about our Trustees

Latest news

Read more on